Tag Archives: air conditioning filter

With the extreme heat that many of us have experienced over these last few days, many are grateful for the air conditioners in our home. Without it, the heat of summer would simply be too unbearable.

Many of us resort to our air conditioner unit for relief from this heat, until the unthinkable happens—it breaks! As unfortunate and scary as that is, many failures can be prevented with maintenance. Maintaining your air conditioner should never be neglected. Below are 3 tips to make sure your AC continues running smoothly.

1.) Change the filter. This is perhaps the most simple and important step. A clogged air filter can drastically reduce the efficiency of your air conditioner. When dust, dirt, and debris clog your filter, air cannot flow through properly causing system inefficiency and/or failure. Generally, you want to change the filter every 3 to 6 months depending on air quality. Changing the filter will cause your HVAC unit to run more efficiently and last longer. See here for a complete list of filters that we offer.

2.) Regular Maintenance. Checkups for your HVAC system will keep it running smoothly and efficiently. You can do it yourself, or you can call in a professional. Maintenance of your system should include checking the controls of the system, lubricating all moving parts, tightening all electrical connections and checking thermostat settings. You should also seal and insulate ducts as well. This is done to increase comfort levels in your home and improve your system’s efficiency by 20% or more. The more efficient your system is, the longer it will last.

3.) Install a programmable thermostat. This is an important step so your A/C doesn’t have to run all day while you’re away. Consider using the Honeywell FocusPro, which is easy to use, has precise comfort control and comes with a 5 year warranty. Programmable thermostats can save you almost $200 off heating and cooling costs every year.

Maintaining your air conditioner is important to say the least. A properly maintained air conditioner will allow you to beat the heat and stay cool in the comfort of your own home. Remember, changing your filter is one of the most important steps you can take to maintain your air conditioner. Click on the image below to view a video about the proper way to change your filter.

Indoor air quality not only affects your health. It can also greatly affect the appearance of your home. In a rare phenomenon known as “ghosting,” fine particles of soot collect on parts of walls that are cooler in temperature and have a high electrostatic attraction, causing darkening and discoloration in certain areas. This may also occur on ceilings and carpets.

Though much of this is attributed to low air pressure due to your home’s construction, some of the problem may be reduced or eliminated through the regulation and maintenance of your indoor air. Since ghosting is caused by soot particles, the natural solution is to eliminate the source of soot. Soot often comes from fireplaces, furnaces, candles and fuel-burning fixtures that are not well-vented. Cleaning and replacing your furnace filters regularly can help prevent the accumulation of soot particles within the home.

Filters Fast carries several electrostatic air filters that remove soot, smoke and other odor-carrying particles from the air that flows through them. Like the cooler parts of your walls, these filters carry an electrostatic charge that attracts many particles, which stick to the air filters making them dirty. Unlike your walls, carpets and ceilings, air filters are easily replaceable, affordable, and hidden where no one can see them. Sounds like a worthwhile investment, right?